To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. The character trait "dysfunctional" refers to a personality or behavior that is not working properly, causing difficulties in personal or social interactions. Dysfunctional characters may struggle with addiction, mental health issues, or unhealthy relationships, among other problems that hinder their ability to function normally and achieve their goals. They may exhibit self-destructive or manipulative behaviors, lack empathy or self-awareness, and struggle with communication or emotional regulation. Writing a dysfunctional character can add depth and complexity to a story, but it requires a nuanced understanding of the causes and effects of their behavior.

Possible causes of being dysfunctional

You might want to weave these into your character's back story to build a more believable character.

• Emotional or psychological trauma
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Genetics or family history of mental illness
• Chronic stress or anxiety
• Personality disorders such as borderline, narcissistic, or antisocial personality disorder
• Poor coping mechanisms or lack of emotional regulation skills
• Neglect or lack of attention during childhood

Behaviors associated with being dysfunctional

You may be able to show your character's trait of dysfunctional by using these.

• Low self-esteem
• Self-destructive behavior
• Difficulty with setting and achieving goals
• Lack of responsibility
• Inability to cope with stress and emotions
• Poor communication skills
• Inconsistent behavior and decision-making
• Dysfunctional relationships
• Addiction or substance abuse

Attitudes associated with being dysfunctional

You may be able to show dysfunctional through their attitudes.

• Tendency to self-sabotage or engage in self-destructive behaviors
• Difficulty with decision-making or problem-solving
• Struggling to handle stress in healthy ways
• Difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships
• A sense of hopelessness or helplessness
• Tendency to blame others for one's problems instead of taking responsibility
• Inability to set and enforce boundaries
• Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges
• Low self-esteem or lack of self-worth

Thoughts and struggles associated with being dysfunctional

Here are some ideas for things your dysfunctional character may think or struggle with.

• Lack of direction or purpose in life
• Difficulty expressing emotions or connecting with others
• Struggle with addiction or compulsive behavior
• Difficulty trusting others
• Inability to cope with stress or pressure
• Chronic feelings of guilt or shame
• Tendency to lash out or be emotionally volatile
• Deep-seated insecurities and self-doubt
• Fear of abandonment or rejection
• Tendency to sabotage relationships

Emotions associated with being dysfunctional

Here are some ideas for emotions your dysfunctional character may experience.

• Fear
• Guilt
• Shame
• Insecurity
• Anger
• Helplessness
• Anxiety
• Frustration
• Depression

Facial expressions associated with being dysfunctional

Here are some facial expressions your dysfunctional character may exhibit.

• Avoiding eye contact
• A furrowed brow
• A blank or expressionless face
• Nervous or forced smiles
• Rapid blinking or darting eyes
• A flushed or blushing face
• Facial tics or muscle spasms
• Clenched jaw or teeth grinding
• A downturned or scowling mouth

Body language associated with being dysfunctional

Here is some body language your dysfunctional character may exhibit.

• Slouching or hunching over
• Nervous laughter or forced smiles
• Stuttering or stumbling over words
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination
• Fidgeting or tapping fingers or feet
• Sweating excessively or shaking
• Clenched jaw or grinding teeth
• Pacing or restlessness
• Avoiding eye contact or staring intensely

Behaviors associated with being dysfunctional

Here are some behaviors your dysfunctional character may exhibit.

• Poor communication skills
• Self-destructive behavior
• Low self-esteem
• Addiction or substance abuse
• Dysfunctional relationships
• Inability to cope with stress and emotions
• Inconsistent behavior and decision-making
• Difficulty with setting and achieving goals
• Lack of responsibility

Growth and evolution of dysfunctional characters

Here are some ways that your dysfunctional character may grow and evolve over time.

• Accepting their past and moving forward.
• Finding positive outlets for their emotions and coping mechanisms.
• Making a conscious effort to change their behavior.
• Facing the consequences of their actions and learning from them.
• Seeking help or guidance from others.
• Developing healthy relationships.
• Developing self-awareness and recognizing their flaws.
• Learning to forgive themselves and others.
• Acknowledging and taking responsibility for their actions.

Stereotypes of dysfunctional characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical dysfunctional character like these examples.

• Avoid making the character's dysfunction a punchline or source of humor
• Avoid making the dysfunction the only source of conflict or tension in the story
• Avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or stigmas about mental health or addiction
• Avoid making the character's dysfunction their defining trait or solely for shock value
• Avoid portraying mental illness or addiction as glamorous or romantic
• Avoid using the dysfunction as an excuse for the character's harmful behavior

Negatives of being dysfunctional

Here are some potential negatives of being dysfunctional. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as positives depending on the context.

• Struggles with communication and expressing emotions effectively
• Difficulty in making decisions and taking responsibility for actions
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or avoidance
• Struggles with setting and achieving goals
• Inability to handle stress and cope with challenges effectively
• Tendency towards self-destructive behaviors
• Difficulty in adapting to change and coping with transitions
• Tendency towards impulsivity and recklessness
• Difficulty in maintaining healthy relationships

Positives of being dysfunctional

Here are some potential positives of being dysfunctional. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as negatives depending on the context.

• Dysfunctional characters can provide opportunities for growth and development, both for the character and for the reader.
• Dysfunctional characters can serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the negative consequences of certain behaviors or attitudes.
• Dysfunctional traits can add depth and complexity to a character, making them more interesting and dynamic.
• Dysfunctional characters can be relatable and realistic, as many people struggle with dysfunction in their own lives.

Verbal expressions of dysfunctional characters

Here are some potential expressions used by dysfunctional characters.

• Having difficulty setting and maintaining boundaries
• Being overly dependent on others for emotional support or validation
• Struggling with communication and expressing themselves effectively
• Being defensive or reactive in response to feedback or criticism
• Being unable to make decisions or take action due to fear or indecisiveness
• Being unreliable or inconsistent in their actions and commitments
• Engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm
• Having a negative or defeatist attitude towards themselves and their abilities
• Making excuses or blaming others for their problems

Relationships of dysfunctional characters

Here are some ways that being dysfunctional could affect your character's relationships.

• Passive-aggressiveness
• Jealousy or possessiveness
• Avoidance or withdrawal
• Disrespect or belittling
• Emotional manipulation or abuse
• Narcissism or self-centeredness
• Enmeshment
• Control or domination
• Codependency

Examples from books of characters who are dysfunctional

• Lady Macbeth from "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Cathy Ames from "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
• Humbert Humbert from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov
• Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
• Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
• Randle McMurphy from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey

Writing exercises for writing dysfunctional characters

Here are some writing exercises you might try for learning to write dysfunctional characters.

• Write a dialogue between your character and someone who confronts them about their dysfunctional behavior. This can be a friend, family member, or therapist.
• Create a character profile that includes their backstory, relationships, and motivations. Focus on how their dysfunctional trait has impacted their life and the lives of those around them.
• Write a scene in which your character tries to change their behavior but ultimately fails. This can be a powerful way to show the depth of their struggle and the challenges they face in overcoming their dysfunction.
• Use prompts that encourage introspection and self-reflection. For example, "What does your character fear most about changing their behavior?" or "What does your character gain from their dysfunctional behavior?"
• Write a scene that shows your character engaging in their dysfunctional behavior. Use sensory details to bring the scene to life and show the emotional impact of their actions.
• Start by brainstorming a list of dysfunctional behaviors or personality traits that you want to explore in your character. For example, addiction, codependency, narcissism, or self-sabotage.